Turkey Demands Return of 59 Artifacts Stolen in 2013

The Old Fisherman, one of numerous artifacts that Turkey has requested back from museums around the world

Turkey has once again requested the return of numerous artifacts that were stolen from the country’s museums and archeological sites, the Hurriyetreports. Published by the country’s ministry of culture and tourism, the annual report notes that 59 artifacts were stolen during 11 robberies in 2013 alone, including pieces previously held in the cities of Ankara, Balıkesir, Bursa, Denizli, Eskişehir and İzmir.

Turkey also renewed its demand for the return of long lost artifacts such as the Head of Eros, which is currently held by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Old Fisherman from Aphrodisias, which is held by the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

According to a subsequent report in the Art Newspaper, the V&A is in negotiations with Turkish officials about the possible return of the Head of Eros. However, an agreement has been elusive at this stage. Any return would likely be structured as a long term loan, the V&A retaining the right to repossess the head, should the museum feel that it was in danger of being damaged.